Most selective state universities—any advice?

Hey, I'm applying to some state universities and I hear some are super selective. Which ones are the hardest to get into, and any tips on how to improve my chances?

There are indeed several state universities that are quite selective. A few of the most competitive ones include UC Berkeley and UCLA (University of California system), University of Michigan (U-Mich), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill), University of Virginia (UVA), and University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin).

When it comes to improving your chances of admission, here are some tips:

1. Academic Performance: This is arguably the most important aspect of your application. Most of these schools have high average GPAs and SAT/ACT scores. Aim to be at or above these averages to be competitive. Keep in mind, by UC system policy, neither the UC schools nor the Cal State schools consider SAT or ACT scores at all, in keeping with their test-blind status for the 2024-2025 application cycle.

2. Superb Essays: State schools, particularly the selective ones, often require essays as part of the application (UCs and UMich, for example). These essays are your chance to illustrate who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Write authentically and convincingly about your experiences, your aspirations, and how you contribute to the communities you're part of.

3. Extracurricular Involvement: Admissions officers at these universities are looking for students who can contribute to the campus community. Having a good balance of depth and breadth in your extracurricular involvement can demonstrate this. It's better to be deeply involved in a few endeavors that you're passionate about than to be superficially involved in many activities.

4. Demonstrated Interest: Demonstrated interest can play a role in admission decisions at some state universities. This can include visiting the campus (if you can), attending virtual information sessions, or having thoughtful answers for any "Why Us" essay prompts.

5. Course Rigor: Ensure that you're taking rigorous coursework in high school, as this will demonstrate your academic commitment and preparedness for college-level work. This might include taking AP or IB courses or enrolling in Honors classes.

To conclude, focusing on strong academics, insightful essays, active extracurricular involvement, demonstrated interest in the school, and rigorous coursework will improve your chances of admission at highly selective state universities. Best of luck with your applications!